In Texas, and under federal law, an employer must have 15 or more employees in order for an employee to file a lawsuit against the employer for many of the different types of discrimination claims. However, this rule has recently changed in Texas regarding claims of sexual harassment. As of September 1, 2021, an employee can sue his or her employer for sexual harassment even if the employer has less than 15 employees.
Another major change in the law regarding sexual harassment claims is that employees can now sue individual supervisors or managers for the sexual harassment, instead of just the company.
These changes not only increased employees’ protections when they experience sexual harassment at work but also increased an employer’s liability. This is why it is so important to address complaints, or even rumors, about sexual harassment in the workplace swiftly and seriously.
If you or your human resources department has received reports of sexual harassment, call an employment lawyer right away so that you can respond in accordance with the law and in a way to mitigate or avoid a costly lawsuit.